US ELAM Delegation Dinner
Grandmother Cecilia
July 2008
Friday, 4-July-08
Today the US delegation at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) had a dinner to celebrate the end of the school year. Students from the US that completed their second year at ELAM will now continue their studies at a teaching hospital in Havana. They will stay at this teaching hospital for the remaining 4 years of their education.
I am honestly sad to see them go because they were our mentors throughout our first year of medical school. Towards the end of every trimester they would take time from their busy schedule to help us prepare for our practical exams, such as setting up mock practical exams that resembled the exams given at ELAM. Their unconditional generosity was greatly appreciated and helpful during my first year of medical school.
Monday, 14-Jul-08
Today I completed my first year of medical school at ELAM. I am extremely excited! The final exam was scheduled for 9:00 am at the school library. The atmosphere at the library was very pleasant. My assigned seat was next to the window with a view to the ocean. Throughout the exam I took short breaks to enjoy the waterfront view and relax. As I was taking the exam I could feel the breeze from the ocean.
After the exam my friends and I dropped our books at the dorm and went snorkeling at a beach in Baracoa, a town neighboring the medical school. The visibility underwater was not as good as I expected it to be, but the water was very warm and pleasant. The beach was crowded with students celebrating the end of the school year. The air was filled with the excitement emanating from the students who had completed their final exams.
The school year went by very fast. I can’t believe that I am already done with my first year of med school. I never thought that I would be studying the art of medicine in a school with such diversity. I feel privileged to walk the hallways and interact with students from every country in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s just incredible. I always have the greatest time learning about their countries and their cultures. It has also been a time to teach other students about our country and our people. Many of them are very curious about the people from the United States. For most, their limited knowledge comes from the media, an organization not always representative of our people. For instance, when I ask them to tell me what comes to mind when they hear The United States of America, the two most popular responses are “MacDonald’s,” and “war in Iraq.”
Thursday, 24-Jul-08
Today was the first time I said to a US customs agent, “I am coming from Cuba.” I was a bit nervous since I knew not what to expect. It’s unfortunate but many of the students that attend the Latin American School of Medicine get harassed each year by US customs when returning to the United States. We have our passport and our traveling license but oftentimes we still encounter problems. I have heard that when US customs agents hear Cuba they overreact. I, however, had no problem going through customs in Los Angeles. When I told the customs agent that I was coming from Cuba she smiled and said, “Welcome home!” She was sincere, polite and very friendly.
I arrived to Seattle early morning after a long and tiresome journey of over 24 hours. I flew from Havana to Cancun, Cancun to Mexico City, Mexico City to Los Angeles and then to Seattle. At the end of the day I was exhausted but thrilled to see my family, my parrot Pancho and my cat. I got home at around 3 am and my parrot Pancho went crazy upon hearing my voice. His excitement was heartwarming. He sang so loud for a few minutes as if he had anxiously waited for my arrival. I was surprised to see that he remembered me so well.
Summer break 2008
On November 22, 1993 I moved to Seattle to live with my parents. Prior to moving to Seattle, I lived in Mexico with my grandparents. I remember that as I was leaving my hometown in Mexico I told my grandmother that this was the opportunity for me to become a doctor. Leaving my grandparents was very difficult but necessary. I had lived with them for eleven years and at the time the thought of being away from them was agonizing. My grandmother ended up moving to Seattle soon after my grandfather passed away in April 2000.
In August 2007, when it was time for me to travel to Cuba, I had to say goodbye to my grandmother once again. Before leaving the house I got on my knees and she laid her hands over my head and said a prayer just like she did when I went away for the first time. I hugged her and reminded her that I was a step closer to becoming her physician. I asked her to be strong and to remember the times when she desperately needed medical attention and could not afford it. I assured her that I would return home every year to share my experiences with her.
This is the first year that I return home for the summer. My grandmother and my parents received me with such eagerness. For some odd reason they did not believe that I would return home anytime soon! So, when I got home my family felt relieved to see me by their side. My aunty Elena gave me the longest hug ever. I thank God for allowing me to come home to see my family and friends.
On August 27th the organization Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) gave me an opportunity to share my experiences at their monthly meeting at Swedish Medical Center, Cherry Hill Campus. It was an honor for me to receive such a great opportunity and to meet the admirable healthcare professionals and community members that were present at the meeting. I can’t thank you enough for all the love and support that all of you expressed to me. I was so excited and thankful after the meeting that I wanted burst into tears. I never thought that I had so much support from my community in Seattle. My family and I are very thankful for all your support!
I also want to thank Dr. David McLanahan and his family for hosting a potluck and my second presentation at his house on August 29th. Special thanks to all that attended and for all your support. The support that I received is very important because it is part of the driving force that allows me to do my utmost in school as I pursue a medical degree in Havana, Cuba. Without God and without your support I would not be here. Thank-you!
Ps. I would like to dedicate my first year of medical school to my grandmother Cecilia, my grandfather Ramon and my lovely mother Soledad.
